The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has begun a detailed investigation into an incident in which two track workers were hit by a wagon during engineering possessions near Port Glasgow station on the evening of 15 March 2025.
According to the preliminary notice issued by RAIB, the accident occurred at approximately 20:55 when a wagon, being propelled by a rail-mounted crane, made contact with the two workers. One worker became trapped between the moving wagon and a track panel that had been placed on the down line by a second crane engaged on the same renewal project. Emergency services freed the injured employee, who was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment.
RAIB states that its inquiry will focus on:
- The sequence of events leading to the collision.
- How crane movements and associated wagon propelling were authorised and controlled.
- Planning and co-ordination of the renewal activity, including risk assessments for concurrent crane operations.
- Training, competence and supervision of all personnel involved in the possession.
- Systemic controls governing the movement of on-track plant, staff and rail vehicles within possessions.
The investigation is being carried out independently of any parallel enquiries by Network Rail, the contracting organisations or the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). RAIB will publish its full findings, together with any safety recommendations, on completion of the investigation.
Railway Prune will continue to monitor developments and report when the final report is released.
